If you are facing federal simple possession charges in Arlington County, Virginia, you need a Simple Possession lawyer Arlington County who understands the Controlled Substances Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in federal court. Federal simple possession under 21 U.S.C. § 841 carries serious penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences and no parole.
Simple Possession Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Federal simple possession is prosecuted under the Controlled Substances Act, specifically 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. This statute makes it unlawful to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance. Federal drug penalties are significantly harsher than state charges, with mandatory minimums based on drug type and quantity. For example, possession of 5 grams of cocaine base carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years in federal prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, located at 401 Courthouse Sq, Alexandria, VA 22314. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 21 U.S.C. § 841
For the full text of the federal simple possession statute, see 21 U.S.C. § 841 (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code). For federal sentencing guidelines, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSC.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. We have observed that early intervention by a Simple Possession lawyer Arlington County can make a critical difference in negotiating favorable outcomes.
- Contact a Simple Possession lawyer Arlington County immediately after arrest.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including communications and documents.
- Attend all court hearings at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Work with your attorney to evaluate defense strategies, including challenging evidence or negotiating a plea.
- Consider the impact of a conviction on employment, housing, and professional licenses.
In Arlington County, federal simple possession under 21 U.S.C. § 841 carries penalties including mandatory minimum sentences, fines, and supervised release. Federal sentences generally longer than state charges, and there is no parole in the federal system.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Possession (Schedule I or II) | Federal Misdemeanor/Felony | Up to 1 year (first offense); mandatory minimums for certain drugs | Up to $100,000+ | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | Loss of federal benefits, ineligibility for student loans, deportation for non-citizens |
| Simple Possession (Schedule III, IV, V) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $5,000+ | Possible suspension | Permanent criminal record, employment barriers |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm, known for its philosophy of “Advocacy Without Borders,” has handled numerous federal criminal cases, including simple possession charges. Mr. Sris personally oversees complex federal matters, ensuring clients receive dedicated representation.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Arlington County. While specific case results for federal simple possession are not available, the firm has 115 documented results in Arlington County across all practice areas: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Arlington is approximately 1.5 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), with access via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a drug possession defense lawyer Arlington County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 | (703) 589-9250
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Possession in Arlington County
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. This is governed by the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines (USSG), and cases are prosecuted by the USAO EDVA in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747. Cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Arlington County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against simple possession charges?
Defense strategies for simple possession in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing simple possession charges in Virginia?
If facing simple possession charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under federal law require prompt action.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Alexandria pages useful. For related practice areas, see our DUI Defense Lawyer Arlington County and Burglary Lawyer Arlington County pages.
Last updated: 2026-05-01